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Tips on Choosing Solar from a Contractor
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When it comes to going green, especially utilizing solar energy contractor, California leads the nation. Our solar industry is booming. It’s never been easier or more affordable to go solar. If you’re considering installing a residential solar energy system, there’s important information you need to consider so you can be “Solar Smart.”
Once you've made the decision to install a rooftop solar system to reduce your electric bill and decrease your environmental footprint, the next step is choosing a reputable solar installer. As solar energy is gaining popularity on homes and businesses, the prevalence of installation companies is increasing to meet the demand. But not all solar installers can provide the expertise, high-quality workmanship, and reliable customer service to ensure your system performs efficiently to provide the highest return on investment.
Here are some suggestions to help you find the best installation company:
Make Sure Solar Power Right for You
How Long Do You Plan to Stay in Your Current Home? It will probably take a number of years to recoup in energy savings the money you’ll pay for your solar system. As a result, if you’re thinking about moving within the next five years, you should carefully evaluate whether installing a solar energy system is a good idea right now.
How Much Does Your Electricity Cost? Determine how much electricity you use each year, and how much you pay for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) from your current electricity provider. Also determine the breakeven point, when the money you save every month will equal the cost of the system.
Which Way Does Your Roof Point? Make sure your roof is oriented toward the southern (including southwestern and southeastern) sky, and isn’t shaded by trees or other obstructions that could limit the amount of energy your system can generate.
How Old is Your Roof? If your roof is less than seven years old, you might want to put solar off until it’s time to re-roof, so you can get the full worth of your current roof. The cost to remove and then put back a solar energy system when a roof needs replacement may be more than the money you’ll save by going solar.
Recommendations and Reviews
All the certifications and experience in the world won’t matter as much if the company doesn’t treat its customers well. From attaining the correct permits to choosing the size of your solar array to applying for federal and state tax credits, going solar is complicated. You want to work with a company that is approachable and helpful. A good way to begin the search is by asking family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers about their experience with local installers. Then read consumer reviews of installers who serve your area. Company reviews by actual customers are a great way to determine which companies have provided satisfactory experiences, and which have generated complaints. While a high rating indicates a company is more likely to provide a positive customer experience, keep in mind that an occasional bad review is bound to happen. What the solar installer did to correct a negative experience can provide insight into their level of integrity and their dedication to customer satisfaction.
Check Company Credentials
California has a licensing board that require contractors to register, meet certain insurance and bonding requirements and maintain good standing. Most states allow consumers to search online. These organizations face budget constraints, so may not always flag bad actors, but can serve as a good minimum check before signing a contract with a company. A common tactic by bad installers is to open up shop under a new brand and license number, so be sure to understand how long the company has been in business.
Multiple Quotes
Request a free quote from not one, but several installers that serve your area. Online quote request forms take into account your local electricity rates and your energy usage (based on your utility bill) so you can decide how much energy you wish to offset. Aside from comparing prices, a quote request can reveal how responsive a company is, and may foreshadow how a solar project will progress. For an apples-to-apples comparison of your photovoltaic system quotes, ask each contractor for the price per watt based upon the gross PV installation costs.
What type of warranties come with the solar system?
All solar systems should come with at least a 10-year manufacturer performance warranty to protect against degradation of more than 15% from their originally rated electrical output. You may also have the option to extend your warranty later. For example, a 10-year extended warranty for an inverter may cost $400, while purchasing a new inverter can cost $2,000.
Service Commitment
The customer service that your potential installer exhibits during the consultation process can provide a good indication of how they’ll handle the total solar project. Assess the installer’s solar knowledge, helpfulness, ability to explain technical information in simple terms, level of professionalism and whether he or she responded in a timely fashion.
Financing Options
In 2012, the average cost of a residential solar system in the U.S. was $20,000. Since every homeowner isn't able to make this kind of upfront investment, various financing options have become available. Your solar installer should be able to fully explain all of your payment choices, so you that you can decide which one is best for your situation.
Going solar is a big commitment. So it's important to find a company that you can trust to provide you with accurate and thorough information to choose the best solar panel, inverter and size of your system, while installing your array with quality and precision—and then performing timely maintenance as needed.
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